The Ultimate Guide To Hong Kong: A Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary

Tips For Traveling With Family To Hong Kong

• Itinerary Planning: Organize your visit by proximity to reduce travel times and enhance enjoyment. Allocate separate days to explore attractions in Central, Kowloon, Lamma Island, and the Big Buddha.
• Public Transit: Leverage Hong Kong's efficient, family-friendly public transportation system. Purchase an Octopus card for convenient access to trains, trams, buses, and ferries. Keep cash on hand for taxis, noting that some drivers may not accept other forms of payment.
• Safety and Convenience: Hong Kong is known for its low crime rate. The city offers a broad selection of familiar brands for baby essentials and toiletries. Bring any specialized items to ensure they're available.
• Health Precautions: Prepare for high humidity by staying hydrated and using sunscreen regularly. Keep umbrellas or raincoats ready for sudden weather shifts.
• Discounts and Passes: Save money by checking for family discounts and passes on attractions through platforms like Klook.
• Scheduling Downtime: Plan some relaxed days or quieter activities to prevent overwhelm. Consider afternoons at beaches like Repulse Bay or visits to tranquil spots like Hong Kong Park.
• Crowd Management: Visit popular attractions like Ocean Park and Disneyland early in the day to dodge large crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Best Time To Visit Hong Kong

Autumn (September to November)

• September: Begins to cool but remains humid. Celebrate with lanterns and mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• October: Features National Day, pleasant weather, and events like the Freespace Jazz Fest and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
• November: Ideal for visits with comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies, perfect for hiking and outdoor attractions.

Spring (March to May)

• March to April: Mild temperatures (17°C to 29°C) and blooming flowers make this a great time for sightseeing, despite occasional rains.
• May: Warmer temperatures set in, but conditions remain favorable for outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August)

• June: Summer kicks off with high temperatures (28°C - 30°C) and humidity, along with the Dragon Boat Festival.
• July to August: Peak heat and humidity with frequent rain and potential typhoons. Best for indoor activities or beach visits.

Winter (December to February)

• December: Cool, dry weather attracts tourists, with festive events for Christmas and New Year.
• January and February: Cooler, below 20°C. Chinese New Year features vibrant markets and temple festivities. Layers recommended.

Family-Friendly Itinerary To Hong Kong: Day 1

Morning

Start your adventure in Central, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. After soaking in the sights, delve into the rich history and culture of the area by visiting Tai Kwun, a revitalized heritage site featuring art exhibitions and cultural events. Don’t miss the Man Mo Temple, a beautiful tribute to the gods of literature and war, and stroll along Lascar’s Row on Hollywood Road, known for its charming antique shops. Explore PMQ, a vibrant creative hub located in the heart of Hong Kong, originally built in the 1950s to house police officers and their families. Today, it has been revitalized into a dynamic space that showcases local design and innovation. Home to over 100 studios and shops, PMQ features unique offerings ranging from fashion and art to culinary delights.

Lunch

Explore our guide to the best family-friendly restaurants in Central, which includes everything from pizzas to salads and beyond. If you prefer to indulge in some delicious dim sum for your first meal, check out these kid-approved spots here.

Afternoon 

Afterward, treat yourself to a relaxing foot massage at Gao’s or Ten Feet Tall to recharge for the day ahead - or drop by Snack Baby Gelato or Messina for some ice cream. Take a ride on the Mid-Levels escalator, the world's longest outdoor covered escalator - where you can see shops and restaurants along the way, including the Insta-famous Bakehouse and Vission Bakery. Walk to Hong Kong Botanical Gardens and Hong Kong Park. The aviary within Hong Kong Park is particularly enchanting for children and adults alike, and there's also a great playground for kids to enjoy.

Family-Friendly Itinerary To Hong Kong: Day 2

Morning

On your second day, make your way to Victoria Peak via the iconic Peak Tram. Beat the crowds and purchase your tickets in advance - it also opens early (7:30am!) perfect for those early risers. Once at the top, take in panoramic views of Hong Kong and stop for breakfast at Rajasthan Rifles or The Peak Lookout. You can either walk back down via Old Peak Road (quite steep but quick) or the Morning Trail (longer). Both trails are well-paved and stroller-friendly and allow you to take in the lush greenery.

Lunch/Afternoon

Family-Friendly Itinerary To Hong Kong: Day 3

Morning

Start your day with a Star Ferry ride from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), taking in stunning views of Hong Kong's skyline from the water. Stroll along the Avenue Of Stars, and drop into the Hong Kong Space Museum or the Science Museum. The wondrous K11 MUSEA is nearby - a great shopping destination with brands from all over the world. It also houses the Legoland Discovery Center, where you can see a replica city of Hong Kong all made out of LEGO. Other kid-friendly attractions are the Donut Playhouse and Slime It! If you prefer to do something more cultural, visit the Chi Lin Nunnery (20-min drive away), where you can admire its serene gardens and traditional architecture.

Lunch

In the afternoon, take a taxi to the West Kowloon Cultural District, where you can visit both M+ Museum and Palace Museum. These cultural hubs provide engaging experiences for families interested in art and history. Have dinner there or head back to TST.

Family-Friendly Itinerary To Hong Kong: Day 4

Morning/lunch

Embark on a ferry ride to Lamma Island, known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful hiking trails, which are family and stroller-friendly. Spend some time exploring this tranquil island, enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants like those found in Sok Kwu Wan.

Afternoon

After a morning of cultural exploration, unwind at Lamma Beach, an idyllic spot perfect for families. The gentle waves make it safe for swimming, while the soft sand invites kids to unleash their creativity through building sandcastles. This beach offers a laid-back atmosphere where parents can relax under the sun as children play nearby.

Family-Friendly Itinerary To Hong Kong: Day 5

Morning

A visit to the majestic Big Buddha on Lantau Island is a must-do when in Hong Kong. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station (about a 30-35 minute journey from Central) and once there take a ride on the Ngong Ping Cable Car first, which offers stunning aerial views of the lush Lantau landscape and the South China Sea. The 25-minute cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village is not only convenient but also provides a unique perspective of the island; first rides start at 10:00am. Once there, you can explore the Po Lin Monastery and the towering 34-meter-tall Tian Tan Buddha statue, one of the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statues in the world.

Lunch

There are many family-friendly restaurants like traditional Chinese tea houses and international cafés there but one notable spot is the vegetarian restaurant of the Po Lin Monastery, serving a range of delicious, simple dishes that reflect the Buddhist way of life.

Afternoon

If the weather is good, consider spending the afternoon and evening at Lower Cheung Sha Beach (check out Bathers), known for its long stretches of soft sand and serene waters, ideal for relaxation and water activities. Alternatively, Treasure Island offers a delightful escape with its vibrant beach atmosphere and ample opportunities for water sports and beachside dining, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a leisurely day by the sea.

Other Notable Landmarks & Family-Friendly Spots

• Causeway Bay: One of Hong Kong's busiest shopping districts, where you can explore local shops, enjoy street food, and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Extend your visit with a walk through Wan Chai, especially beautiful during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Mong Kok: Known for its lively street markets like the Ladies' Market, offering everything from clothing to toys. Nearby Wangjiao Pet Street is a haven for pet lovers, showcasing a wide range of pets and supplies.
• Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery: In Sha Tin, this site features nearly 13,000 Buddha statues and offers a rewarding climb to panoramic views and beautifully adorned temples.
• Stanley Market: A relaxed seaside market where you can shop for traditional crafts and artwork, then stroll along the waterfront promenade or nearby Stanley Beach.
• Repulse Bay Beach: A family-friendly beach on the southern part of Hong Kong Island, perfect for swimming and sandcastle building, with amenities like lifeguards and changing rooms, plus upscale dining and shopping nearby.
• Kowloon Park: This large park in the heart of Kowloon offers a swimming pool, aviary, and plenty of space for kids to run around.